Wildlife meets Halloween magic at North Florida Wildlife Center’s “Bats, Beasts, & Boos” event

Bri Rodriguez
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Laughter, rustling leaves and the calls of exotic animals filled the air at the North Florida Wildlife Center's “Bats, Beasts and Boos” celebration on Saturday, Oct. 25. Families in costume wandered beneath moss-draped oaks, candy pails swinging, as lemurs leapt, foxes played and kangaroos dozed in the autumn sun.

The fall celebration ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a full schedule of animal encounters, face painting, local vendors and trick-or-treating across the center's scenic grounds. Visitors were greeted by a blue-tongued skink and a curious hedgehog at check-in – a charming introduction to the wild variety of experiences ahead. The aroma of seasonal treats mingled with the earthy scent of hay as families enjoyed the cool October breeze while exploring the exhibits filled with wildlife from around the world.

Among the day's most memorable moments was the fox encounter featuring two affection gray fox residents, Willow and Cypress. With soft russet fur and bright, intelligent eyes, the pair greeted guests from their sun-dappled enclosure, tails flicking with anticipation. Guests had the opportunity to hand-feed them treats and observe their gentle curiosity up close.

Educational sessions at the learning pavilion invited guests to learn about colorful macaws and Dumeril's boas, while nearby keeper presentations highlighted the center's ongoing commitment to animal care and conservation. Nearby, the lemurs drew a lively crowd with their boundless energy, leaping between branches and chattering in the morning sun. Their playful antics and expressive faces made them a clear favorite among visitors, while the sloth offered a moment of quiet wonder and the pelican feeding unfolded like a coastal ballet.

Inside the peaceful gift shop, children watched intently as the resident sloth slowly stretch and blink from his cozy indoor habitat. Shelves were stocked with plush animals, National Geographic book titles, paw print paintings created by the wildlife center's residents, t-shirts and merchandise celebrating the beloved anteater, King Bumi.

The vendor market offered a playful fusion of pop culture, handmade wares and harvest-inspired charm. Sassy Tiger Suits, owned by artist Arashi Askoriya, showcased handmade plushies, fursuit designs and a striking jewelry line featuring knotted pendants, engraved medallions and beadwork inspired by folkloric and natural motifs. Displayed on rich purple cloth, the collection blended tactile craftsmanship with symbolic elegance – leaf shapes, circular emblems and intricate cords invited closer inspection from curious shoppers. Nearby trays showcased carved bone-like figurines, mythic faces, feathers and fantastical creatures, arranged beside smooth agates and jaspers in earthy reds, blues and creams. A row of claw-shaped pendants added a dramatic touch, anchoring the display with bold silhouettes.

Pet fashion stole the spotlight at the booth, with racks of handmade bandanas adding playful flair for furry companions. One design paid tribute to Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) and the world of tabletop gaming, featuring polyhedral dice – D4s through D20s – surrounded by swords, scrolls and stars. Another showcased a soft pink fabric patterned with multicolored paw prints, while a Halloween favorite honored “Nightmare Before Christmas,” featuring Jack Skellington alongside bats and Zero the ghost dog. Hung beside plush tails and costume accessories, the bandanas celebrated geek culture with cozy creativity – proof that fandom can be stylish, seasonal and four-legged.

Creative Creations, led by Megan Burch, offered an assortment of cakes and cupcakes, including a mocha crumble variety that quickly became a crowd favorite. Damon's 3D printing booth featured colorful glasses holders shaped like the lower jaw of a skull – an imaginative blend of anatomical design and Halloween whimsy.

Families also joined in a Halloween scavenger hunt, searching for hidden baskets tucked among the exhibits. Face painting and goat feeding sessions kept the youngest visitors entertained throughout the day. As the sun climbed higher, anticipation built for the pumpkin toss featuring a Eurasian griffon vulture, whose powerful wings beat the autumn air as it swooped in for its seasonal snack.

Creativity and community came alive in a vibrant costume contest showcase where imagination took center stage. Children twirled and posed in outfits ranging from Stitch in his red alien suit to Sonic the Hedgehog and the beloved cartoon pup, Bluey. Butterflies, princesses, wizards, and foxes added to the colorful mix. Glittering capes, soft wings and spellcaster robes mingled with plush animal suits and handmade accessories – each costume a burst of personality and seasonal cheer.

Parents and staff joined in the fun with just as much flair – from a cheerful scientist in a white lab coat and a medieval monk to Ash Ketchum, the “Pokemon” trainer known for his red cap and boundless enthusiasm. A towering bird costume nodded to a real-life friendship on the grounds: a hen helping raise a young endangered crane. The familiar masked figure of Ghostface was even spotted wandering the paths, adding a touch of playful fright to the festivities.

Together, the costumed crowd transformed the grassy field into a living storybook – bright, magical and full of heart.

As families departed with painted faces and full candy pails, the “Bats, Beasts and Boos!” celebration stood as a reminder of what makes autumn special – community, curiosity and the joy of discovery. The event captured the spirit of the season while highlighting the Wildlife Center's mission: connecting the community and animals through education, conservation and a touch of fall magic.